Fairhaven police arrest armed robbery suspects

FAIRHAVEN — Police have arrested two men in connection with two separate armed robberies last week in Fairhaven.

BRIAN FRAGA

FAIRHAVEN — Police have arrested two men in connection with two separate armed robberies last week in Fairhaven.

Bradford Cardoza, 35, is charged with robbing an elderly man at knifepoint in the hallway of the Seaport Inn and Marina on Jan. 22. The victim said Cardoza stole his money and several credit cards, according to police.

Fairhaven police detectives and members of the Bristol County Sheriff Department's South Coast Anticrime Task Force arrested Cardoza on Jan. 24 at his home at 150 Merrimack St. in New Bedford.

Cardoza is charged with armed robbery of a person over 60 years of age, police said.

On Jan. 27, Floyd Stone, 51, of 130 Main St., Fairhaven, allegedly entered the Top Music Store at 67 Main St. and brandished a knife at the clerk, police said.

Stone allegedly ordered the clerk to empty the cash drawer into a bag. The victim told police the suspect had a knife in his right hand and a hammer in his left.

After forcing the clerk to the back of the store, the suspect removed a guitar from one of the display racks and ran from the store with the instrument and cash, police said.

Massachusetts State Police Troopers Edmond DaCosta and David Wordell later found Stone, who matched the suspect's description, leaving Moriarty's Liquor Store at 101 Middle St. in Fairhaven.

The troopers brought Stone to the music store, where the clerk identified him as the suspect, police said.

Detectives subsequently obtained a search warrant of Stone's apartment, where they found cash and receipts from the music store. The guitar and a discarded jumpsuit, suspected to have been worn by Stone during the robbery, were found behind Minerva's Pizza House, a block north of the music store.

Stone is charged with larceny of property valued at over $250, armed robbery and assault with intent to rob.

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